Sunday, 1 August 2010

Bargain Basement

We were doing jobs in London this weekend but I managed a bit of time in Ikea whilst A was tutoring a friend's son. So not only did I have an indulgent quiet coffee, which was free with my family card, and carrot cake, whilst reading a book on interiors that was fortuitously left on the table. I also got some bargains.

It's my mission to visit the bargain corner before doing anything else in Ikea. But then re-visit it as many times as I can during the duration of my trip. I learned this lesson a couple of weeks ago. I always pop in there first and load up a basket with any real bargains, not broken cups, just things on my list that I'm looking for, and need. For myself or things I know friends, or family, are looking for. Then phone to check if I should get them, or If I'm meeting them in the store, reconnoitre, to show them the treasures.

Usually everything is wanted, but last month I joined two of my sister-in-law's with goodies that I thought they might like. This time I didn't quite get it right. For a second I was tempted to just leave the unwanted items by the cash desk when we paid. Then my conscience kicked in, I felt bad. One of the staff would have to take the items back and someone might miss out on the bargain. So I left my friends and trailed back to the bargain corner.

Good karma...my effort was rewarded. On returning I found a black work lamp that wasn't there before. It was similar to one we'd bought a couple of years ago and really still like. It was something I really needed as mine had just broken and it was only £4.99 as it was X-display!!

So my journeys there now consist of circumventory trips collecting bargains. This time I had a real coup. A beautiful hand-made pure wool blanket. It's woven in grey and cream stripes, the natural colours of the wool, no nasty chemical dyes involved. I had lovingly looked at those little rugs every time, on every recent visit. But at £29.99 decided that I should leave it and also thought I should really get a recycled one. I was thrilled to bits to find a bargain one for £5. And as they were sorting out the textile section, some much needed new bedding at equally bargain prices.....and it was kind-of second hand.

The blanket will be perfect for the little wicker sofa in the front room, whose grey mohair blanket has seen better days....although it will be lovingly re-used somewhere else in the house.

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My style of cooking, like me and my home is rather eclectic. I gather things from East and West, old and new. I mix things up and experiment. I have some old favourite never-fail recipes like one for Madeira cake that always works however I adapt it, but I'm always happy to try new things too and share them all with you.

About Me

I love making things, drawing, reading and travelling to places that I've never been to before...going round the corner to see what's there. I am drawn like a moth to lights and lanterns, arthouse films, galleries, coffee shops, orchids, old black and white photographs, rooting around flea markets and jumble sales, newsprint and text, Brick Lane, Camden and Portobello Road.